HometownNaperville, IL, United StatesEducation Illinois Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Arts / ScienceIllinois Institute of Technology, Master of Business Administration

Son of Greek immigrants swept floors of family's Chicago grocery store. Developed passion for stocks in teens after investing parents' $5,000 nest egg. M.B.A. from Illinois Institute of Technology 1965, then Air Force. Served one year in Vietnam. Became stockbroker, discovered niche in convertible securities. Founded Calamos Asset Management 1977, took public 2004. Today $44 billion under management. Stock on a wild ride: shares up 39% in first 4 months of 2006, down 35% since. Nephew Nicholas serves as co-investment chief; son, John Jr., also works at firm. Donated $2 million to Chicago's Hellenic Museum & Cultural Center last year. Spends spare time flying his Marchetti jet.

Distribution of the Forbes 400 by U.S. State

Diameter of disc reflects size of fortune. The red disc indicates John P Calamos & family

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